Abstract: Some embodiments of an electrical stimulation system employ wireless electrode assemblies to provide pacing therapy, defibrillation therapy, or other stimulation therapy. In certain embodiments, the wireless electrode assemblies may include a guide wire channel so that each electrode assembly can be advanced over a guide wire instrument through the endocardium. For example, a distal tip portion of a guide wire instrument can penetrate through the endocardium and into the myocardial wall of a heart chamber, and the electrode assembly may then be advanced over the guide wire and into the heart chamber wall. In such circumstances, the guide wire instrument (and other portions of the delivery system) can be retracted from the heart chamber wall, thereby leaving the electrode assembly embedded in the heart tissue.

Abstract: A system writes to a replicated direct access storage device (DASD) a record of each step within a job as each step begins and as each step completes. The records are maintained on the replicated DASD for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined period of time is, for example, the greatest amount of lag in replication of all storage systems operating within the system. The records are stored, for example, in an open jobs and datasets (OJD) file, where the file itself is a dataset. The dataset is written to by an online task (e.g., OJDSTC) which gathers input from two sources. Upon job completion, the records are stored, for example, in an OJD journal and removed from the OJD file.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing Internet of Things (“IoT”) functionality. In some embodiments, an IoT-capable personal tracking device might receive sensor data from each of a plurality of sensors, and might analyze the sensor data to identify one or more external IoT-capable devices with which to interact and to determine one or more tasks to be performed by the identified IoT-capable devices, each based at least in part on the sensor data. In some cases, the plurality of first sensors might comprise at least one of one or more sensors that monitor physical conditions of a user's body and/or one or more sensors that monitor environmental conditions external to the user's body. The personal tracking device might subsequently autonomously send, via machine-to-machine communication, control instructions to each of the identified external IoT-capable devices, based on the determined tasks. Multiple personal tracking devices may also be used.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide methods for treating various conditions and diseases using an optical signal. In one or more embodiments an apparatus is providing having an optical window, which is used to deliver an optical signal to provide stimulation to one or more tissue sites in the body such as the brain, optic nerve, eye, ganglia, spine, or other like site. The optical signals can be used to treat a variety of neurological diseases and conditions including epilepsy, migraine headaches and chronic pain. In particular applications the optical signals can be used to treat, inhibit or prevent epileptic or other neurological seizures by providing an optical input to a foci or surrounding tissue in the brain causing the seizure. The optical signal may also be combined with an electrical signal to produce an aggregate effect in tissue for treating the disease or condition such as a neurological disease or condition.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information provision system including a biological sensor device including a sensor and an information transmitting terminal communicably connected to the biological sensor device is provided. The information transmitting terminal includes a detector. The detector detects an action of the user. The biological sensor device includes an obtaining module. The obtaining module obtains, when the action of the user is detected, biological data by driving the sensor during a measurement period included in a measurement information in association with the action.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide methods for treating various conditions and diseases using an optical signal. In one or more embodiments an apparatus is providing having an optical window, which is used to deliver an optical signal to provide stimulation to one or more tissue sites in the body such as the brain, optic nerve, eye, ganglia, spine, or other like site. The optical signals can be used to treat a variety of neurological diseases and conditions including epilepsy, migraine headaches and chronic pain. In particular applications the optical signals can be used to treat, inhibit or prevent epileptic or other neurological seizures by providing an optical input to a foci or surrounding tissue in the brain causing the seizure. The optical signal may also be combined with an electrical signal to produce an aggregate effect in tissue for treating the disease or condition such as a neurological disease or condition.

Abstract: Configurations are described for utilizing light-activated proteins within cell membranes and subcellular regions to assist with medical treatment paradigms, such as hypertension treatment via anatomically specific and temporally precise modulation of renal plexus activity. The invention provides for proteins, nucleic acids, vectors and methods for genetically targeted expression of light-sensitive proteins to specific cells or defined cell populations. In particular the invention provides systems, devices, and methods for millisecond-timescale temporal control of certain cell activities using moderate light intensities, such as the generation or inhibition of electrical spikes in nerve cells and other excitable cells.

Abstract: A motor drive apparatus includes: a transmission unit carrying-out transmission of an optical signal between a rotation unit for rotating a transmitting and receiving unit and a fixation unit for transmitting reflected light to a control apparatus through a signal line, wherein the transmission unit includes: a tubular shaped lens holding member where a collimator lens is held, and a holding member fixing member having first fixation surface by which the end surface of the lens holding member is fixed and second fixation surface fixed by a surface which is formed to be approximately perpendicular to the direction toward which the optical signal is emanated or the optical signal is light-received; the first fixation surface is formed in a spherical shape; and the second fixation surface is formed to be approximately perpendicular to the direction toward which the optical signal is emanated or the optical signal is light-received.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide methods for treating various conditions and diseases using an optical signal. In one or more embodiments an apparatus is providing having an optical window, which is used to deliver an optical signal to provide stimulation to one or more tissue sites in the body such as the brain, optic nerve, eye, ganglia, spine, or other like site. The optical signals can be used to treat a variety of neurological diseases and conditions including epilepsy, migraine headaches and chronic pain. In particular applications the optical signals can be used to treat, inhibit or prevent epileptic or other neurological seizures by providing an optical input to a foci or surrounding tissue in the brain causing the seizure. The optical signal may also be combined with an electrical signal to produce an aggregate effect in tissue for treating the disease or condition such as a neurological disease or condition.

Abstract: An optical sensor unit (10) for measuring a concentration of a gas is provided, comprising at least one sensing layer (122) adapted to be irradiated with a predetermined radiation; at least one gas-permeable layer (121) adjacent to one side of the at least one sensing layer (122) and adapted to pass gas which concentration is to be measured through the gas-permeable layer (121) towards the sensing layer (122); a removable protective layer (150) covering at least the gas-permeable layer (121) and adapted to be removed before use of the optical sensor unit (10), wherein the optical sensor unit (10) is adapted to measure an optical response of the at least one sensing layer (122), which optical response depends on the concentration of the gas.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a stressor-based reference baseline for use in heart failure assessment is presented. A patient is monitored during an observation time period while the patient performs prescribed physical stressors and by applying pacing stimulus stressors to a medical device. Physiological measures are stored from the observation period, including at least one of direct measures regularly recorded on a substantially continuous basis by the medical device and measures derived therefrom. The measures that originate from the observation time period as a reference baseline for the patient are identified. The reference baseline and those measures originating subsequent to the observation period are evaluated. The measures are analyzed to detect any trends, including one of a status quo and a change in cardiac performance of the patient. Each trend is compared to parameters corresponding to worsening heart failure indications to generate a notification of parameter violations.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a system capable of resolving interactions between programmable parameters for operation of a medical device. Programming these devices is a difficult task when many parameters are involved. The disclosed systems and methods attempt to reduce and minimize constraint violations between interdependent parameters using an initial set of parameter values supplied by user (typically a physician) input or calculated automatically, and constraint violations describing invalid parameter values. If possible, a set of parameter values with less egregious constraint violations is generated and may be displayed to the user. A user is prompted to accept the set of parameter values and program the medical device.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for managing the ventilation of a patient being ventilated by a medical ventilator. The disclosure describes a novel approach of displaying ventilator information integrated with oximeter information. The disclosure further describes a novel approach of alarming based on the integration of ventilator information with oximeter information.

Abstract: Methods and systems for implantably determining a patient's anemia status and treating anemia are described. Blood viscosity is compared one or more thresholds to determine a patient's anemia status. Therapy, in the form of electrical stimulation therapy or administration of a pharmaceutical delivered to the patient's kidneys or hypothalamus is controlled based on the anemia status.

Abstract: A medical device for monitoring a patient condition includes a sensor capable of being advanced transvascularly to be positioned along a volume of tissue, the sensor including a first combination of a light source and a light detector to emit light into a volume of tissue and to detect light scattered by the volume of tissue and to generate a first output signal corresponding to an intensity of the detected light. A control module is coupled to the light source to control the light source to emit light at least four spaced-apart light wavelengths, and a monitoring module is coupled to the light detector to receive the output signal and compute a measure of tissue oxygenation using the light detector output signal.

Abstract: An optical sensor for a medical device includes a fixed lens spacing between emit and receive modules to achieve target sensor sensitivity, while varying other sensor parameters in order to increase signal amplitude without increasing power demand. An optical sensor connected to a housing of a medical device includes a circuit board, an opto-electronic component, a wall, a lens, and a ferrule. The circuit board is arranged within the housing. The opto-electronic component is mounted on a surface of the circuit board. The wall protrudes from the surface of the circuit board and surrounds the opto-electronic component. The lens is offset from the surface of the circuit board. The ferrule is connected to the housing, the lens and the wall. An inner surface of the wall mates with an outer surface of the ferrule.

Abstract: A reflectance-type optical sensor includes one or more photodiodes formed in a semiconductor substrate. A well having sidewalls and a bottom is formed in the top surface of the substrate, and a reflective layer is formed on the sidewalls and bottom. A light-emitting diode (LED) is mounted in the well, so that light emitted laterally and rearwardly from the LED strikes the sidewalls or bottom and is redirected in a direction generally perpendicular to the top surface of the substrate. The optical sensor can be fabricated using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) fabrication techniques.

Abstract: An optical sensor for a medical device includes a fixed lens spacing between emit and receive modules to achieve target sensor sensitivity, while varying other sensor parameters in order to increase signal amplitude without increasing power demand. The arrangement of an opto-electronic component within an optical sensor receive module is improved by masking the receive module lens with an opaque member to create a masked lens leading edge that is aligned with a leading edge of the opto-electronic component.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a system capable of resolving interactions between programmable parameters for operation of a medical device. Programming these devices is a difficult task when many parameters are involved. The disclosed systems and methods attempt to reduce and minimize constraint violations between interdependent parameters using an initial set of parameter values supplied by user (typically a physician) input or calculated automatically, and constraint violations describing invalid parameter values. If possible, a set of parameter values with less egregious constraint violations is generated and may be displayed to the user. A user is prompted to accept the set of parameter values and program the medical device.

Abstract: In general, the disclosure is directed toward releasing material within a medical device via an optical feedthrough. A system for releasing material with a medical device comprises a cup that holds a material, wherein the cup includes a discharge port, a seal disc that seals the material within the cup, an optical feedthrough assembly coupled to the cup, a shell that defines a chamber within a medical device, wherein the optical feedthrough assembly is coupled to the shell, and a radiant energy source that shines a beam through the optical feedthrough assembly to puncture the seal disc to allow the material to enter the chamber via the discharge port.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a user interface capable of resolving interactions between programmable parameters for operation of a personal medical device. Programming these devices is a difficult task when many parameters are involved. The medical device interface attempts to reduce and minimize constraint violations between interdependent parameters using an initial set of parameter values supplied by user (typically a physician) input, and constraint violations describing invalid parameter values. A user is given the option to select one or more parameters to remain constant. If possible, a set of parameter values with less egregious constraint violations is displayed to the user. A user is prompted to accept the set of parameter values and program the medical device.

Abstract: An implantable medical device and associated method monitor a heart failure patient by sensing a signal responsive to oxygen availability in an extravascular volume of skeletal muscle tissue. The signal is used to compute a tissue oxygenation measurement. A change in the tissue oxygenation measurement is detected, and a time interval corresponding to the detected change in muscle tissue oxygenation is computed. The time interval is used for detecting if a heart failure condition is worsening or improving.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling delivery of therapy that includes an emitting portion emitting light at a predetermined emitted light intensity to a volume of tissue at a plurality of wavelengths, and a detecting portion detecting the emitted light scattered by the volume of tissue to generate corresponding detected light intensity output signals. A control module adjusts the detected light intensity output signals for shifts in intensity corresponding to the emitted light intensity, and determines a tissue oxygenation index in response to only the adjusted detected light intensity output signals, and a therapy delivery module controlling therapy in response to the determined tissue oxygenation index.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling delivery of therapy that includes an emitting portion emitting light at a predetermined emitted light intensity to a volume of tissue at a plurality of wavelengths, and a detecting portion detecting the emitted light scattered by the volume of tissue to generate corresponding detected light intensity output signals. A control module controls the light emission so that an emitted light intensity at each of the plurality of wavelengths is within a predetermined intensity range, and determines a tissue oxygenation index in response to only the detected light intensity output signals, and a therapy delivery module delivers therapy in response to the determined tissue oxygenation index.

Abstract: A patient monitor has multiple sensors adapted to attach to tissue sites of a living subject. The sensors generate sensor signals that are responsive to at least two wavelengths of optical radiation after attenuation by pulsatile blood within the tissue sites. A patient monitor uses the sensor signals to determine changes in constant oxygen consumption as an indication of changes in metabolism at the tissue cite.

Abstract: A system including an implantable neurostimulator device capable of modulating cerebral blood flow to treat epilepsy and other neurological disorders. In one embodiment, the system is capable of modulating cerebral blood flow (also referred to as cerebral perfusion) in response to measurements and other observed conditions. Perfusion may be increased or decreased by systems and methods according to the invention as clinically required.

Abstract: In a device and method for a medical implant for monitoring progression of heart failure in a human heart, an activity sensor provides information related to the activity level of a patient and an oxygen sensor provides information related to the level of oxygen content in venous blood. A determined level of venous oxygen content at a determined activity level is obtained, and that level of venous oxygen content is compared to stored values at a corresponding activity level. The result of the comparison is used as a basis for determining a degree of heart failure.

Abstract: An implantable medical device has an oxygen sensor adapted to measure the level of oxygen in oxygenized blood, and to generate an oxygen measurement signal in dependence of the level of oxygen. The oxygen sensor is adapted to perform measurements inside the heart, of blood entering the left atrium of a patient's heart. The obtained oxygen measurement signal is compared to a predetermined threshold level and an indication signal is generated in dependence of the comparison. The, indication signal is indicative of the lung functionality of the patient.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a user interface capable of resolving interactions between programmable parameters for operation of a personal medical device. Programming these devices is a difficult task when many parameters are involved. The medical device interface attempts to reduce and minimize constraint violations between interdependent parameters using an initial set of parameter values supplied by user (typically a physician) input, and constraint violations describing invalid parameter values. A user is given the option to select one or more parameters to remain constant. If possible, a set of parameter values with less egregious constraint violations is displayed to the user. A user is prompted to accept the set of parameter values and program the medical device.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for estimating blood oxygen saturation independent of optical sensor encapsulation due to placement in blood, where the blood includes a blood flow characteristic of: a relatively low, a stasis, a stagnant value. The method includes determining tissue overgrowth correction factor that includes optical properties of the tissue that cause scattering of the emitted light to a detector and relative amplitudes of the emitted light wavelengths. A corrected time interval measured for infrared light is based on an infrared signal and a corrected time interval for red light is determined by subtracting red light signal due to presence of tissue overgrowth. The red light signal due to tissue overgrowth is proportional to total infrared signal less nominal infrared signal. Oxygen saturation is estimated based on standard calibration factors and the ratio of the corrected infrared time interval and the corrected red time interval.

Abstract: Systems and methods for radio frequency identification and tagging of implantable medical devices and their components are disclosed. A preferred embodiment includes tagging a device and its components with manufacturing information relating to the device and it components and with information identifying a patient using the device. The information can be automatically transmitted or extracted from the device when the device or its components come into communication range of an external programmer or other device adapted to read or sense the RFID information. Some embodiments of a system disclosed herein can also be configured as a component of an Advanced Patient Management System that helps better monitor, predict and manage chronic diseases.

Abstract: Spectroscopic systems and methods are disclosed for determining levels of at least one analyte in blood undergoing hemodialysis. In one aspect, the invention employs Raman spectroscopy to monitor and/or control hemodialysis. In one embodiment, the system uses a laser light directed to circulating blood from a patient undergoing dialysis to make Raman spectral measurements. For example, the laser light can be directed into a segment of the dialysis tubing. The system can utilize unique Raman spectroscopic signature of one or more analytes, e.g., urea, to identify and quantify such analytes against a whole blood background. Based on the spectral response, the concentration of the analytes can be monitored and/or used to control hemodialysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for formatting data from a pulse oximetry monitoring device to include display layout information for use by a remotely located display unit. In this regard, the remotely located display unit is in data communication with the pulse oximetry through a communications network. The data communications network may be an analog network such as a telephony network or a digital network such as the internet. In any case, upon receiving the pulse oximetry data, a remote display device may utilize the display layout information to provide an output of the monitored data. This output may be a visual display or a hard copy output.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for accurately estimating blood oxygen saturation independent of tissue encapsulation of the optical sensor. The method includes determining a tissue overgrowth correction factor that accounts for the optical properties of the tissue that cause scattering of the emitted light to a light detector and the relative amplitudes of the emitted light wavelengths. A corrected time interval measured for infrared light is based on an infrared signal returned from fluid with no tissue overgrowth. A corrected time interval for red light is determined by subtracting a red light signal attributed to the presence of tissue overgrowth. The amount of red light signal attributed to the presence of tissue overgrowth is proportional to the total infrared signal less the nominal infrared signal. Oxygen saturation is estimated based on standard calibration factors and the ratio of the corrected infrared time interval and the corrected red time interval.

Abstract: There has been no device for measuring changes in Hb concentrations associated with activities of the cerebral function of an infant or subject prone to movement during measurement. Removing and reducing any influences of body movement is needed. In the present invention, light is irradiated on the subject's head, and changes in Hb concentrations associated with activities of the cerebral function are measured from scattered light which has passed through the head. From this blood circulation movement, a parameter is inputted arbitrarily to judge the body movement component, and feed-back is applied to a stimulus device for giving a stimulus to the subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for formatting data from a pulse oximetry monitoring device to include display layout information for use by a remotely located display unit. In this regard, the remotely located display unit is in data communication with the pulse oximetry through a communications network. The data communications network may be an analog network such as a telephony network or a digital network such as the internet. In any case, upon receiving the pulse oximetry data, a remote display device may utilize the display layout information to provide an output of the monitored data. This output may be a visual display or a hard copy output.

Abstract: A patient interface system integral with a critical care bed for allowing the acquisition, analysis, display, and conveyance of patient-related data from a variety of transducers. The system is adapted to recognize and interpret each type of signal being received, despite the type and/or make of the particular transducers. The system is also adapted to simultaneously display data traces and representative readings from a variety of transducers simultaneously on a single screen detachably mounted to the bed. The display screen is pivotably mounted for ease of use and may be detached from the bed together with the main processor when the corresponding features are not desired. The bed is adapted with electronic connection sockets along each side of the patient surface to present convenient connections for patient transducer leads. The system has resident memory for storing data to enable trend analysis or downloading for patient data records.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously determining a patient's identification and blood oxygen saturation are provided. An pulse oximeter probe carries a light source such as LEDs or lasers which is used to read patient identification information carried on the patient's wristband by a bar code. Alternately, the patient's wristband incorporates a radio frequency reader chip which contains the patient's identification information and the pulse oximeter probe carries an antenna adjacent its cable so that, when the pulse oximeter is turned on, it reads the chip in the wristband during the same motion with which the patient's oxygen blood saturation is measured with the pulse oximeter.

Abstract: A photoplethysmographic monitoring system such as a pulse oximeter collects data regarding the blood analyte concentration and pulse rate of a patient through the analysis of light transmitted form an emitter through tissue to a photo detector. It is often necessary to review the collected data, such as oxygen saturation, pulse rate and pulsatility value at a location remote to the patient being monitored. The photoplethysmographic system formats the selected data for transmittal to a remote facsimile machine via standard telephone communication systems using an internal or external modem. The formatter is able to function within the processing and memory constraints of pulse oximeters by formatting and transmitting the data in sections. Formatted data may be sent via hard-wired telephone, cellular phone, PCS digital telephones or through satellite communication systems enabling transmittal of data from a portable photoplethysmographic system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring process, the purpose of which is to increase the measuring accuracy of pulse oxymeters and comparable optical devices which are used in vivo to ascertain oxygen saturation of arterial blood. The measuring process according to the invention is provided for the purpose of ascertaining oxygenation of arterial blood in tissue by evaluating the differential light attenuation at several wavelengths. It is characterized by the fact that light attentuation of at least one wavelength is determined in order to choose those calibration curves of several variables (&OHgr;1, &OHgr;2, . . . ) produced by different wavelength pairings with a minimized error in order to generate an output signal for the arterial blood oxygenation.

Abstract: An implantable sensor assembly for use with an implantable medical device are disclosed. The sensor assembly preferably includes two or more physiologic sensors coupled to the medical device via a pair of lead conductors, or alternatively an oxygen sensor having certain features. The oxygen sensor permits more accurate and reliable measurement of oxygen saturation in blood masses flowing within the human body.

Abstract: An implantable sensor assembly for use with an implantable medical device are disclosed. The sensor assembly preferably includes two or more physiologic sensors coupled to the medical device via a pair of lead conductors, or alternatively an oxygen sensor having certain features. The oxygen sensor permits more accurate and reliable measurement of oxygen saturation in blood masses flowing within the human body.

Abstract: An implantable sensor assembly for use with an implantable medical device are disclosed. The sensor assembly preferably includes two or more physiologic sensors coupled to the medical device via a pair of lead conductors, or alternatively an oxygen sensor having certain features. The oxygen sensor permits more accurate and reliable measurement of oxygen saturation in blood masses flowing within the human body.

Abstract: An implantable sensor assembly for use with an implantable medical device are disclosed. The sensor assembly preferably includes two or more physiologic sensors coupled to the medical device via a pair of lead conductors, or alternatively an oxygen sensor having certain features. The oxygen sensor permits more accurate and reliable measurement of oxygen saturation in blood masses flowing within the human body.

Abstract: An implantable sensor assembly for use with an implantable medical device are disclosed. The sensor assembly preferably includes two or more physiologic sensors coupled to the medical device via a pair of lead conductors, or alternatively an oxygen sensor having certain features. The oxygen sensor permits more accurate and reliable measurement of oxygen saturation in blood masses flowing within the human body.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for biofeedback of human central nervous system activity using radiation detection. This invention uses radiation from the brain resulting either from an ingested or injected radioactive material or radio frequency excitation or light from an external source impinging on the brain. The radiation is measured by suitable means and is made available to the subject on which the measurement is being made for his voluntary control. The measurement may be metabolic products of brain activity or some quality of the blood, such as its oxygen content. One such system utilizes red and infrared light to illuminate the brain through the translucent skull and scalp. Absorption and scattering of incident radiation depends on the degree of oxygen saturation of the blood in the illuminated tissue.

Abstract: An optical window assembly for use in implantable medical devices includes a generally U-shaped ferrule having a strain relief channel to accommodate residual stresses remaining in the ferrule after welding the ferrule to the housing of an implantable medical device. The assembly may be used to transmit optical energy and/or electrically insulate a feedthrough. The assembly can be mounted in a window opening in a housing. The ferrule can include a ferrule body forming a lens opening, the ferrule body having a generally U-shaped cross-section with an inner leg, an outer leg, and a strain relief channel in the ferrule body between the inner leg and the outer leg. A lens is mounted in the lens opening of the ferrule. The ferrule can also include a lens flange on the inner leg of the ferrule body, a support flange on the outer leg of the ferrule body, and/or a braze stop to control flow of the braze. The ferrule and housing can be constructed of titanium.